Haldol is used for treating schizophrenia. It is also used to control symptoms associated with Tourette disorder. Haldol is an antipsychotic agent.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Haldol as directed by your doctor.

Take Haldol with a full glass of water.

Haldol can be taken with or without food.

Taking too much of this medication can cause a serious heart rhythm disorder or sudden death. Never take more than your prescribed dose.

It may take several weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Do not stop using Haldol suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.

Use Haldol as directed by your doctor.

Take Haldol with a full glass of water.

Haldol can be taken with or without food.

Taking too much of this medication can cause a serious heart rhythm disorder or sudden death. Never take more than your prescribed dose.

It may take several weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Do not stop using Haldol suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.

If you miss a dose of Haldol, use it as soon as possible. Use the remaining doses for the day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Haldol.

STORAGE

Store Haldol at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze. Keep Haldol out of the reach of children and away from pets.

MORE INFO:

Active Ingredient: Haloperidol.

Do NOT use Haldol if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Haldol

you are in a coma, have Parkinson disease, or have severe central nervous system depression

Lithium because the risk of unexpected toxic effects, including weakness, severe tiredness, confusion, or unusual muscle movements, may be increased

Tramadol because the risk of seizures may be increased

Azole antifungals (eg, itraconazole) because they may increase the risk of Haldol's side effects

Rifampin because it may decrease Haldol's effectiveness.

Carbamazepine because side effects of Haldol may be increased or the effectiveness of Haldol may be decreased

Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or sodium oxybate (GHB) because their actions and the risk of their side effects may be increased by Haldol.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Haldol may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

Haldol may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Haldol with caution. Do not drive or perform other possible unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Haldol; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.

Do NOT use more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.

Haldol may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Haldol. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.

Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.

Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Haldol before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.

NMS is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Haldol. Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.

Some patients who take Haldol may develop muscle movements that they cannot control. This is more likely to happen in elderly patients, especially women. The chance that this will happen or that it will become permanent is greater in those who take Haldol in higher doses or for a long time. Muscle problems may also occur after short-term treatment with low doses. Tell your doctor at once if you have muscle problems with your arms; legs; or your tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (eg, tongue sticking out, puffing of cheeks, mouth puckering, chewing movements) while taking Haldol.

Haldol may lower the ability of your body to fight infection. Avoid contact with people who have colds or infections. Tell your doctor if you notice signs of infection like fever, sore throat, rash, or chills.

Haldol may increase the amount of a certain hormone (prolactin) in your blood. Symptoms may include enlarged breasts, missed menstrual period, decreased sexual ability, or nipple discharge. Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms.

Haldol may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.

Lab tests, including complete blood cell counts, may be performed while you use Haldol. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lap appointments.

Use Haldol with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially uncontrolled muscle movements.

Haldol should not be used in children younger 3 years; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Haldol while you are pregnant. Haldol is found in breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking Haldol.

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome: